Scott,

I also have a 1998 Nissan Maxima SE which has 175,000 on it and runs
better than my friend's new Kia. I have the same issue with the
Engine Light, but I don't take my car to a dealership (I'm not made
out of money).

I found a local repair shop that knows what they're doing and treats
me right. I've built up a good relationship with them. They told me
that the light was for the same reasons you referenced, but that it
did not have a significant impact on the operation of the car, so, if
I could get past the fact that the "Check Engine" light was on, not
to worry about it. I do take it into the shop every so often to have
them hook it up to their computer to make sure nothing else is wrong
(they don't charge me a dime to do this).

I would try to find a good mechanic in your area and have him take a
look at it. I don't think I would try to do it myself, might make it
worse. I would ask the mechanic about the air bag too, although there
may be a legal issue about a licensed mechanic disconnecting the
light????

As far as the plugs are concerned, I was told they are 100,000 mile
plugs. Although, I ended up having mine replaced at about 130,000. I
tried those "Special" plugs once (Not on this car) and ended up
taking them back and getting good old Champions.

After all these words, the one thing I want to make sure to get
accross is GET AWAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP. You'll end up broke, and
have nothing to show for it.

Hope this helps a little bit

--- In nissanmaxima2@yahoogroups.com, "Scott Roberge"
<robergefam@...> wrote:
>
> Hello
>
> I have a 1998 Nissan Maxima (SE, I think) with 118k miles. I'm the
> second owner....
>
> How often should the plugs be replaced? I believe the existing plugs
> are originals...I live in Maine (subject to cold weather...). Are
the
> NGK cold plugs worth installing?
>
> My Service Engine light is on. The ODBII codes are as follows:
P0325,
> P0440 and P01448 obtained from Auto Zone. They tell me that the
P0325
> is the Knock Sensor, P0325 EVAP Leak and P01448 Faulty EVAP Check
Valve.
>
> My dealership tolled me that they wouldn't be able to diagnose the
> codes until they "have it on the table...and do exploratory
> surgery"...another words big $$$$$ sucked out of my pocket...
>
> Knock Sensor...Is it possible that this is due to another problem? I
> don't want to be replacing parts if it is not necessary. Someone
told
> me that the O2 sensors could be triggering the knock sensor....whats
> your thoughts on this? Others have said that if the 02 sensors were
> bad they would throw a CEL at the ECU, which they haven't at this
> time. Could the EVAP problem be causing the knock sensor to trigger?
>
> Auto Zone tolled me that the EVAP ECU CELS are most likely related.
> I'm not a mechanic and have very little experience tinkering with
our
> vehicles. Can this repair/replacement (EVAP check valve) be done by
> someone with my lack of experience or should I seek professional
help?
>
> Lastly, I also have a bad passenger side, side Air Bag per the
> Dealership. Air Bag light is flashing. Dealership says the fix to
this
> is ~ $500 to $600 of which I do not have at this time . I know that
> this is a safety feature but am willing to live with the risk of not
> having this air bag. Is there anyway to disable the Air Bag
> light...stop it flashing?
>
> Your insight, knowledge, recoomendations would be much
appreciated....
>
> Scott
>